Verse of the day: John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in
God, believe also in Me.
Jesus, after telling the disciples of His coming
death, and informing Peter of his denial of Him, now comforts them. He begins
by telling them not to be anxious or distressed. These are words that many of
us can still use today, as many of us experience the anxiety and stress of
dealing with the world, its ways, and life in general. Regardless of what the
source of our stress and anxiety might be, the peace and comfort that Jesus
offers is always the answer. However, we can only enjoy that peace and comfort
if we have faith. Jesus was leaving, but He was reminding them that He was not
going away forever. He was going to prepare a place for them (and us), and
coming back for all us. For each of us, the born again believer, our ultimate
comfort is knowing that we have a God, a Savior, who has not forsaken us, and
has promised to be with us and never leave us, no matter how difficult life may
get. Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us, Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself
has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The
Lord is my
helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
When we come face to face with our anxieties, the only One, above everyone
else, who can relate to the stresses and troubles of this life, is Jesus.
Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us, For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with
our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly
to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time
of need. Hebrews 2:18 reads, For in that He Himself has suffered, being
tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Regardless of what the
source(s) of our stresses or anxieties are, Jesus can relate to each and every
one of them. He knew what it was to suffer the loss of a family member, when He
received news of His cousin’s, John the Baptist’s, death (Mt 14:1-12). He knew
the pain and sorrow of being rejected by His own people, and that of being
betrayed by one who walked with Him for three years (Mt 23:37-39; 26:47-49). He
even wept before resurrecting Lazarus, at the sight of the hopelessness of
those present (Jn 11:33-35). In the times of our deepest sorrows, stresses, and
anxieties, it is Jesus that will comfort our hearts. The greatest comfort we
have as God’s children is that no matter how much we suffer here, and what we
suffer, it is of no comparison to what we have to look forward to, and our time
here is like a vapor in comparison to the length of time we will be in His
presence when this is all over. 1 Peter 1:6 remind us, In this you greatly
rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by
various trials; and 1 Peter 5:10 tells us, But may the God of all grace,
who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a
while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. Romans 8:18 clearly
tells us, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. The
bottom line is that our faith and trust in the Lord is what will help us
through those times when our heart is troubled. Although we may not see His
physical presence, He is with us. Jesus promised the disciples in verse 16 of
this chapter that the Father would send the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to be
with them after His departure. This is the same Holy Spirit that sealed us (2
Cor 1:22) and indwells us (1 Cor 6:19), and will never abandon us in our times
of need; whether that need be spiritual, physical, or emotional.
God not only
gave us His Son, but He also promised to never leave us. Today, He extends an
invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you
accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing their
sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him
and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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